Henry Lee Wostenberg

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Henry Lee Wostenberg, at age 82 years, unexpectedly at his home in Red Deer Alberta, July 17, 2025. 

Born in Clearfield, Utah on January 23, 1943.  Henry was the youngest child of Frederick and Alice Wostenberg.  He attended high school in Greely Colorado and whereby on his own admission he was a mediocre football player, but an adequate member of the debate team.  After graduating Henry attended Colorado State University where he gained the skills to become an excellent Social Studies/History teacher. 

Henry had a strong desire to help people, and in that desire, he was gifted a position at St Mary’s Residential School on the Blood Reserve in Southern Alberta, Canada.  While in that position he met his future wife, Justine Many Bears/Wostenberg, of forty-three years.  Henry was a beloved “honky” otherwise he would not have gotten the blessings of marriage from Jack and Margaret Many Bears, Justine’s parents. 

In the chaos of the Vietnam war, while Henry was still teaching was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in San Antonio, Texas.  With his new mixed family Henry was honoured to answer the call of duty.  He learned to become a medic and while in that position taught others the craft of becoming medics. After completing his tour Henry came back to Canada where he continued his teaching career.  Henry continued teaching with the Federal Government landing teaching jobs with Piikani First Nation and shortly afterwards moved to Maskwacis First Nations in Central Alberta.  

Henry made a career move and decided to teach in the Catholic School District with the Provincial Government of Alberta landing a job at Camile J. LeRouge High School in Red Deer, Alberta. 

Henry was involved with Knights of Columbus and was a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Dad retired from his teaching career at a school for at risk youth in Red Deer.  Upon retirement Henry delved into writing a history book, the love of his life. This was one of Henry’s many great achievements, he spent many years researching, gathering information from the Provincial Archives and the Diocese of St. Albert among other institutions. Henry completed his book “Plunging into the Lord’s Prairie Vineyard” in 2024.  A work that he was extremely proud of. 

Henry Lee Wostenberg is survived by his children; Jacenta (Loredan) Marina, Charly and Sarah Wostenberg.  Grandchildren; Azaria, Zoe, Bianca, Dylan and Addison.  Great grandchildren; Malachi, Aarya, and Raylin.  He is also survived by his siblings Betty Lenz and Walt Wostenberg.  His in-laws; Winston, Adeline, Celestine, Leonard (Griz), Rosella, Warner, Raymond, Edmond, Delores, Randy, Tony and Ivan.  And many, many nieces and nephews are too numerous to mention.  Henry was predeceased by his wife Justine (Many Bears) Wostenberg, her parents Jack and Margaret Many Bears, his parents Frederick and Alice Wostenberg and brothers Fred and Jim Wostenberg. 

A Wake Service will be held at Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 - 5 Avenue, Fort Macleod, on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, 2604 - 3 Avenue, Fort Macleod, on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:00am. Following the Funeral, Henry will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery - Fort Macleod.

BBQ to follow at families residence, 527 23rd Street, Fort Macleod

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